Archives of real estate blog entries for January 01, 2010

Featured blog posts


By Charles Dailey
(iLoan - NMLS ID#1947845)
  For all loans this year where the borrower has ANY kind of self employed income feature, they will have extra steps to go through in 2010. This means that even if they have a very passive business or a rental property or anything like that, they’ll be put through the Spanish Inquisition of income documentation.   What’s more important as a Realtor, is that you’re working with a loan officer that is very proficient in tax transcript analysis and knows how to prepare an accurate Self Employed Income Analysis quickly (an example of this form is attached). The reality is that most loan officer either don’t have a clue how to do these or aren’t very proficient with them and end up stumbling through them and taking forever to figure out the “real” qualifying income.   It used to be that a l...
Comments 62
By Mike Jones, Mike Jones NMLS 223495
(SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) )
New Year's Day 2010 ~ Last night marked the last "Blue Moon" on New Year's Eve for the next nineteen years.  I had planned to capture it before turning in, but the best laid plans... This morning I woke at 6:45, grabbed the camera, and set off to capture that same Blue Moon before it disappeared over the western horizon.  As dawn broke, I was at the edge of Saguaro National Park and took this shot to share with you on the first day of the New Year. Thanks for stopping by my blog; I expect that this will be a great year for your business and for mine.  Come back often; I'll be here!   EDIT:  Send me a snail mail address through Active Rain, and I'll be sure to mail you a postcard made from this photo.  (It's Bruce Brockmeier's fault...) ___________________ I'm Mike in Tucson, your prefe...
Comments 88
By Loreena and Michael Yeo, Real Estate Agents
(3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Prosper TX Real Estate Co.)
What a way to start off a new year and a new decade - 2010. Can't think of anything better but to surpass the 500K point mile marker. I love to celebrate my journeys. Points to me signifies as a blogger-in-the-learning. I've always enjoyed journeys rather than destinations. So, while I headed to my prized goal of 1 Million points, I will take baby steps to embrace each mile marker. My journey on Active Rain began late November 2006. I wrote my first post in December. I didn't know what BLOGGING was about so I kept it as an online diary (almost). Also, little did I know that it would change the course my business. What a whirl wind this journey has become. It took me 1 year to reach 100K (November 2007). By then, I was receiving leads and learning how to convert them into clients. It too...
Comments 113
By Barbara Todaro, Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team
(RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired )
Direct mail marketing is a "back to basics" method of finding business that I have been using for many years.  Since my niche is the listing end of the transaction, I use direct mail marketing to find new listings.  However, there are many other uses for direct mail marketing.  I also find 55+ age group buyers for my active adult communities by using direct mail marketing.  I mail to that age group throughout many towns in Norfolk County in Massachusetts to advertise 55+ condos.  It brings activity and transactions to that inventory.  When I'm searching for a specific type of property, I use direct mail marketing to find that entity.  I was, at one time, interested in purchasing a single family ranch style home as an investment property for a family member to rent from me.  I sent out o...
Comments 191
By Debe Maxwell, CRS, The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!
(Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310)
Fellow Active Rainer Goes the Extra Mile - Jane Peters I met Jane several months back here in the Rain.  I began to follow her blog by subscribing to her and watched this incredibly bright, new Active Rain agent bloom and grow into an amazing blogger.  She is one of the best reciprocating bloggers here--if you visit her blog, she comments back to you AND visits your blog too!  Jane has asked questions and with a quick answer, takes advice and instruction and just runs with it!  Jane has managed to come a very long way in a short amount of time. Jane has joined the ranks of those of us who are simply addicted to the Rain and as per her business motto, "Going the extra mile," Jane has proven herself once again over the past two weeks.  Jane took her holiday vacation to Europe and managed ...
Comments 71
By Brad Andersohn, ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876
(Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp)
It looks like this may be my final post for 2009, it sounds so weird saying that. Where did the year go? Anyway.... I am a technology Widget-Gadget-Gidget-Whatchamacallit-Sidebar-Addict.  There, I said it!  I love all those little tracking tools, the neat little links, the fun social networking buttons, cool graphics, icons, HTML objects and embeds, and all that other techy widget stuff.  How selfish of me though, what have I done?  Did I break your browser?  What?  I locked up your computer all these years? Oh No!! Well it's time to clean house for 2010.  (and it's long overdue)  You might recognize below, many of the widgets and gadgets you used to see on my ActiveRain sidebar.  Over time, you've probably just become numb to them like ads, or even ignored them entirely, that is if you...
Comments 143
By John Occhi, Mobile Notary Public/Certified Loan Signing Agent
(AZ Veteran Notary Services)
The Dawn of a New Decade brings the Dawn of Consumer Rights When Shopping for a MortgageJanuary First is typically a day when many new laws across the land become effective...and this year is no different.  The Department of Housing & Urban Development made one very important change to the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 law that is known as RESPA in the industry is now mandating that ALL mortgage lenders provide the consumer with the same information in the same format.There is no doubt that this is too little too late for the homeowners who are currently at risk of losing their homes, but had these new rules been in effect 5 years ago, there is a good chance we would not be experiencing the meltdown of the American economy that we are.  I have no doubt this will definite...
Comments 77
By Tom Braatz Waukesha County Real Estate 262-377-1459, Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent. SOLD!
(Coldwell Banker)
January 1st and people are calling me and asking me if I am ready to go back to work next week? Next week? I am already working on it. Someone asked me if I see great change in 2010 and I was fast to remind them that the change has to first start in me. My beliefs, my core beliefs, my vision, my goals, my passion, my risks; it all starts with me. It starts with a burning desire to make a difference; starting with me. As the year starts I think of some role models that will allow me to reflect at times and see change in myself, the life around me, and real estate for sale in Waukesha County. Being a Wisconsinite and being one of the Green Bay Packers fan I have a tendency to dwell at times about a great coach we had named Vince Lombardi. Coach Lombardi knew what it would take for change;...
Comments 106
By Michael Holmes
(Clearpoint REALTORS)
I read a blog at Word-press the other day written by a guy who apparently hates all Realtors.  It was a blog dedicated to FSBOs telling them how they don't "need" us to help them.  What caused my response to this person was the fact he called ALL agents "lazy".  While I am sure there are "lazy" agents (just like there are "lazy" people in all professions) I took exception to that and responded. I listed all the things "good" agents do and said for a three letter word "all" was a big one.  I personally am not lazy.  I doubt the majority of agents are lazy.  The biggest thing my clients tell me is that they were impressed with me because I answer my phone!  All agents, new and old and in between, this is the biggest thing that will set you apart.   While the simple act of answering your p...
Comments 122

Blog posts


By Dan Miller, Helping you Buy and Sell in Madison, Wisconsin
(RE/MAX Preferred, Madison, Wisconsin)
Seventeen Dane County multifamily listings totaling 49 units and over $4M in sales were recorded in November via the South Central Wisconsin MLS. That's a good month for the multifamily market. A closer look at the numbers shows the November 30th deadline for the previous version of the home buyer tax credit had a big impact on the market. Thirteen of the 17 listings that sold during the month were for duplexes, as buyers choosing to owner occupy closed in time for the deadline. We've stated repeatedly over the past several months that it's a great time for investors to learn more about the multifamily market. With over 3 years of inventory and a strong trend toward lower prices, the market has clearly shifted in favor of the buyer investor. For more details on the Dane County multifami...
Comments 1
Are you a location scout in Los Angeles?  Do you need a vintage Victorian Mansion for film or TV location shooting? Please consider Heritage Square Museum!  The museum staff is industry & location savvy.  The Eastsider LA reports that with the decline in local on-location filming, revenue for the unique museum has taken a serious hit. Heritage Square Museum is also available to host private rental opportunities, including weddings, parties, portrait photo shoots and small corporate events upon request.  For more information on rentals, portrait photography or commercial filming to the Heritage Square Business Offices at (323) 225-2700, Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. http://www.heritagesquare.org/index.htm
Comments 5
By Norma J. Elkins, Realtor - Elkins Home Selling Team
( Elite Realty Group)
I hope all of you are enjoying this beautiful day - Happy 2010 to all of you - I always think about an old saying that my Mother always would say each year when the New Year would arrive -- she would always say - "Whatever you do on New Year's Day - you will do all year long" - Now I know that is probably just an old saying, but I think about it each year -- and it surely is in my mind all day long and does affect some of the things I do --- I know it does!!!  Well, today I am showing some homes to some new clients of mine and hope to write an offer for them!  I hope the old saying is true because I would love to show more homes - have more new clients and write a lot more sales contracts this year!   I know 2010 is going to be my best year!!! Have a great day - Make it the best!!!   Mo...
Comments 12
By Ed (Edward) Silva, 203-206-0754, Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally
(Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 )
 Well, we made it to 2010 and some of those that partied a bit too much or over indulged may have a problem on this the first day of the new decade. There are a slew of experts with the best cure for a hangover, probably the best cure being the simplest, 'Should't have had so much' That cure is pointless. Hangovers are proof that God has a sense of humor and may well be in touch with his feminine side, because the hangover itself had to have been something started by a woman just to get back at a man. The hangover is very simply a matter of dehydration. Alcohol absorbs water in the body and the pain that is left behind needs to be eased. Drinking water, preferably with some lemon squeezed into it will not only start the hydration process but also put back some vitamin C. Coffee   Even t...
Comments 16
By Sue Wettstein Brazzel & Dipper Wettstein, "Fast, Efficient, Hassle-Free Service!"
(Howard County, MD - RE/MAX 100 - Columbia MD)
I've signed up ... don't know what it is, but it sounds like something I don't want to miss! Our goal is to reach 3000 registered attendees to VirtualReBarcamp.com! The event is free being presented by 28 of the top minds in RE technology and social networking. Currently we have 1500+ registered attendee.  To reach our goal we need your help.  Fortunately, we have a ringer in our pocket: The generosity of ListingMoves.com.  ListingMoves.com is going to be running  a contest for everyone that helps us attain our goal. Anyone that writes/re-blogs this post on ActiveRain about VirtualReBarCamp.com being held January 4th will be entered in a drawing to win one of the following prizes:       1. 1 year free subscription to ListingMoves.com premium package ($720 value)       2. HP Netbook Comp...
Comments 2
By Lou Ludwig, Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC
(Ludwig & Associates)
    Motivational Power Quote   Stretch Yourself for Success   "Your goal should be out of reach, but not out of slight." Anita DeFrantz, Olympic rower     As I see it. . . . . . . . Stretch yourself for success   Goals should cause you reach and stretch yourself.    Reach beyond where you are today. Stretch yourself into the future. Stretch your thinking and go beyond where you have been in the past and into the future of possibilities with clear written goals.   Keep your goals in your thoughts and your slights on your target.   Stretch out of your comfort zone and reach for success and it will be there for you.   ®2010, Lou Ludwig, Sales and Management Consultant Success Coach, Speaker, Trainer and Author           
Comments 22
By E. Steve Banis, Jr., https://www.SouthCarolinaHomesInc.com
(South Carolina Homes Inc.)
3br - 2.5 ba ▐► Ladson SC Rent to Own Home * ( Ladson, SC ) 118 Tuscany Court, Ladson, SC  Click Here to View All Property Photos Contact Information* Company   SCHomeSellers.com   Join Our Buyers List   View Our Properties Email Contact Us Now Phone (843) 883-3934 Property Information* Address 118 Tuscany CourtLimehouse VillasLadson, SC 29456Dorchester County Status For Rent-to-Own Asking Price AVAILABLE 12/14/09 Down Payment $5,000.00 Monthly $975 Mo on up Type Townhouse Google Map Get a Google Map Property ID# 32104 Beds 3 Baths 2 1/2 Baths 1 Floors 2 Sq. Ft. 1360 sq ft Year Built 2006 Garage None Basement None Schools View School Information Property Description*   **  AVAILABLE 12/14/09  **  * LESS THAN 15 MINUTES TO THE BOEING FACILITY *  * "DORCHESTER II SCHOOL DISTRICT" - BEST I...
Comments 0
By 1~Judi Barrett, BS Ed, Integrity Real Estate Services -IDABEL OK
(Integrity Real Estate Services 116 SE AVE N, Idabel, OK 74745)
My Happy New Year's Wishes For You: That You would be granted the desires of your heart - if they will be good for you. That You will be given much much prosperity - if it will be good for you. That Your life will be filled with the love of friends and family.  I know this one is good for you :)    
Comments 19
By Terry Haugen STAGE it RIGHT! 321-956-2495
(Stage it Right!)
1400 international protestors joined tens of thousands of Egyptian, Palestinian, and Gazan's last week to observe the anniversary of the brutal offensive against Gaza by Israel, one year ago.  The protestors are also demanding and end to the blockade around Gaza, which prevents Gazans from freely moving about in the region, makes obtaining food and other necessities almost impossible, and imposes a brutal form of punishment upon and entire population, by Israel.  Below is the link to a Reuters video explaining the Freedom March and what it entails.  Sorry but embedding was disabled, so please click the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-_OhqKTHZM
Comments 8
By Bonnie Vaughan, CNE SFR - Buyers/Sellers - Lackawanna & Surroundin
Yet another story is being reported today that should raise alarms and concerns with those who value our right to free speech.               No it is not being carried by the Main Stream Media.  Little attention is being paid to this incident and the majority of Americans have no idea what has gone on. Within 23 hours of the Christmas Day attempted sabotage of Flight 253, an internal memo entitled Security Directive SD-1544-09-06, was distributed by TSA on counter measures they intended to institute.  The memo was distributed internally to TSA employees.  It is important to note that this directive was not "secret" or "classified" information. Almost immediately Fox News reported the new initiatives as well as two bloggers Chris Elliott and Steve Frischling.  Elliott writes a travel co...
Comments 21
By Jennifer Allan-Hagedorn, Author of Sell with Soul
(Sell with Soul)
I was watching TV the other (sleepless) night. Caught a Tempur-Pedic commercial. Seems the Tempur-Pedic is a spectacular bed for whatever reason, so spectacular that the company gives you a 90-Day trial period. Not 90-days of simply looking at your new bed, but 90-days of actually sleeping on it. If you don't love it, you give it back. No questions asked. Now, that's a guarantee. I'm not in the market for an expensive bed these days (I'm actually sleeping on a blow-up right now - don't ask), but I tell ya - I'm impressed. I'm sure Tempur-Pedic's 90-Day guarantee is mostly gimmick, and I have no idea if they stand behind it, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. And proclaim that we could use more gimmicks like this in our world. What if everyone guaranteed their product or servi...
Comments 19
By Janice Roosevelt, OICP ABR, ePRO,Ecobroker
( Keller Williams Brandywine Valley )
    Motivational Power Quote   Stretch Yourself for Success   "Your goal should be out of reach, but not out of slight." Anita DeFrantz, Olympic rower     As I see it. . . . . . . . Stretch yourself for success   Goals should cause you reach and stretch yourself.    Reach beyond where you are today. Stretch yourself into the future. Stretch your thinking and go beyond where you have been in the past and into the future of possibilities with clear written goals.   Keep your goals in your thoughts and your slights on your target.   Stretch out of your comfort zone and reach for success and it will be there for you.   ®2010, Lou Ludwig, Sales and Management Consultant Success Coach, Speaker, Trainer and Author           
Comments 4
By Chris Hill, Your Southern Maryland Real Estate Professional
(Century 21 New Millennium)
Thought this was a nice quote for the New Year. Happy New Year Everyone!    Motivational Power Quote   Stretch Yourself for Success   "Your goal should be out of reach, but not out of slight." Anita DeFrantz, Olympic rower     As I see it. . . . . . . . Stretch yourself for success   Goals should cause you reach and stretch yourself.    Reach beyond where you are today. Stretch yourself into the future. Stretch your thinking and go beyond where you have been in the past and into the future of possibilities with clear written goals.   Keep your goals in your thoughts and your slights on your target.   Stretch out of your comfort zone and reach for success and it will be there for you.   ®2010, Lou Ludwig, Sales and Management Consultant Success Coach, Speaker, Trainer and Author           
Comments 1
By Gabe Sanders, Stuart Florida Real Estate
(Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales)
  An update for those with possible Chinese Drywall from Tina Merritt:   HUD has issued a press release stating that they are now offering assistance to homeowners with FHA loans who have defective drywall. HUD has instructed FHA approved lenders to offer special forbearance to homeowners faced with financial hardship due to the effects of defective drywall. “We’re instructing our FHA mortgage lenders nationwide to extend temporary relief to allow these families time to remove problem damaging drywall and repair their homes,” said FHA Commissioner David Stevens.  “We want to remove additional pressures for these families as they find solutions to allow them to return to a safe, decent and sanitary home." HUD has stated that while a homeowner is under the special forbearance plan (which ...
Comments 3
We Buy Houses South Carolina Articles Considering a Short Sale? Posted: 12/12/09 Considering a short sale in Charleston SC? Before you commit to a short sale, we want to be sure that you have considered other options. SCHomeBuyers.net specialize in preventing foreclosure and utilize many different options before a short sale.   Short Sale in Charleston SC Posted: 12/12/09 Short Sale Help in Charleston SC. Our team of experienced professionals, including ex- loan officers and litigation experts who understand a short sale contact your bank on your behalf and work hard to create a win-win situation. You win, the bank wins. Your house gets sold; the bank gets a new mortgage.   Short Sale in Charleston South Carolina? Posted: 11/29/09 Short Sale in Charleston South Carolina? We can help sto...
Comments 0
By Michael Hamby
(Champion Realty, Inc)
The Hamby Real Estate Group, an affiliate of Champion Realty, Inc., has released its 3rd annual compilation of the 100 Top Real Estate Transactions of 2009. Details of the transactions are available at http://www.100MostExpensive.com Currently available are the Top 100 Transactions in: Maryland Anne Arundel County Talbot County Queen Anne County Kent County Caroline County District of Columbia Northern Virginia The transactions are broken down by State and are also available by City, County or Zip code by request.  Requests will take no longer than 1 hour to be returned. Also Available are the 100 Most Expensive Properties Currently available for purchase The Hamby Real Estate Group is a full service Real Estate Group affiliated with Champion Realty, Inc a Home Services of America compa...
Comments 0
By Captain Wayne - Rowlett Real Estate School, Rowlett Real Estate School / Owner and Instructor
(Rowlett Real Estate School)
Happy New Year to my fellow Active Rain Members.  Have a safe and prosperous New Year!
Comments 4
By John Walters, Licensed in Louisiana
(Frank Rubi Real Estate)
Look like a win win to me. Our goal is to reach 3000 registered attendees to VirtualReBarcamp.com! The event is free being presented by 28 of the top minds in RE technology and social networking. Currently we have 1500+ registered attendee.  To reach our goal we need your help.  Fortunately, we have a ringer in our pocket: The generosity of ListingMoves.com.  ListingMoves.com is going to be running  a contest for everyone that helps us attain our goal. Anyone that writes/re-blogs this post on ActiveRain about VirtualReBarCamp.com being held January 4th will be entered in a drawing to win one of the following prizes:       1. 1 year free subscription to ListingMoves.com premium package ($720 value)       2. HP Netbook Computer       3. Platinum RainCamp Access Pass (If you don't know wha...
Comments 0
When you purchased your rental property 1-3-5-20 years ago you in all likelihood made a terrific investment right? Maybe yes, maybe no. When was the last time that you took the time to determine if your property is meeting your needs or not. Is your property located in an area that is desirable?, is it in a family friendly neighborhood?, are you attracting the kind of tenants that you want? Does it need repairs that you are avoiding? Could you sell your property easily in an emergency? Could you do something else with your money? How do you know if your property is still meeting your needs? Let’s look at the benefits that Real Estate provides and you can be your own judge. 1.Cash Flow- Are you making enough cash flow to put up with the hassle? 2. Principal Reduction- Are the tenants hel...
Comments 1
By Gabe Sanders, Stuart Florida Real Estate
(Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales)
  Broker Bryant and Wendy are sponsoring a new contest with some valuable prizes available for you:   Hi folks. What better way to bring in the New Year than to have a contest. Wendy and I have been thinking of some ways to give back next year. As you know, both of us have a passion for Short Sales. We LOVE helping folks avoid foreclosure. So we've decided to have a contest and give away some goodies!! Let's start with the prizes first. First place prize will be the complete Short Sale Agent Training Webinar taught by Wendy and I. This training consist of 5 MP3s with almost 8 hours of training that walks you through a Short Sale Transaction from beginning to end. We'll also include the Short Sale Listing Package. VALUE: $124.00  Second place prize is The Negotiator Interview. This is an...
Comments 3
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